The KSRTC has introduced an evening double‑decker city tour in Kochi, offering passengers a three‑hour, 29 km evening journey from Ernakulam to MG Road and back, showcasing the city’s waterfront and urban heritage. Scheduled daily at 5 pm from the Ernakulam KSRTC bus stand, the service includes a 63‑seat bus—39 seats on the open‑top upper deck and 24 seats on the enclosed lower deck. Tickets are priced at ₹300 for upper‑deck seats and ₹150 for the lower deck. The KSRTC also provides chartered group services at ₹15,300, ideal for small events or private tours.
According to KSRTC officials, tours will run regardless of weather. Raincoats and umbrellas are permitted on the upper deck to enhance the rain‑drenched ambience, though standing is prohibited while the bus is moving. The route includes scenic halts at Thoppumpady, Marine Drive, Goshri Bridge and Kalamukku, allowing passengers to soak in Kochi’s urban landscape. Reservations can be made online via the KSRTC website or mobile app by choosing the “Kochi City Ride” option. The process involves selecting the travel date, seat preference and providing passenger information, with payment finalised digitally. Alternatively, bookings can be confirmed via phone. The circuit covers key city landmarks including Thevara, BOT Bridge, CoPT Avenue Walkway, Subhash Park, Ernakulam Jetty, High Court and Vllarpadam, before returning to MG Road.
This initiative aligns well with eco‑tourism goals and expanding sustainable urban mobility options. By utilising existing bus infrastructure for leisurely, shared rides instead of private vehicles, KSRTC contributes to CO₂ reduction and supports gender‑neutral, inclusive city tours. Providing both open‑top and enclosed seating ensures accessibility for diverse rider preferences and weather conditions. Moreover, leveraging a charter option introduces potential revenue diversification, while maximising vehicle utilisation during off‑peak hours—an efficient public asset management strategy. Such public‑service initiatives also strengthen civic trust and promote experiential tourism without imposing on parking infrastructure.
KSRTC’s no‑cancellation policy despite rainfall, with rain‑ready provisions, suggests an emphasis on reliability—crucial for commuter confidence. It also reflects a planning approach that values emotional engagement and public convenience. Future recommendations include introducing digital real‑time seat availability updates and multilingual audio guides to deepen tourist engagement with Kochi’s culture and heritage. Collaborations with local art and cultural groups at halts could further enrich the experience, balancing citizen well‑being and commercial viability.
As Kochi positions itself as a forward‑looking city, this evening bus tour exemplifies innovative, low‑impact urban mobility that balances leisure, inclusivity and eco‑responsibility.
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